IN THE PAST, oil-based wood stains were considered superior in appearance and durability to water-based stains. However, “with advancing technology,” says Benjamin Moore distributor Hoover Paints, “water-based stains have grown to be on par with oil-based stains, with a few extra benefits.” What are these benefits that led us to choose water-based over oil-based stains for our custom cabinets?
Better for your health and ours
“Water-base products have no lingering odor like some of the oil-base stains,” observes Billy Van Helden, WilgusIQ’s Cabinet Division Manager.
Oil-based (also known as solvent-based) wood stains contain toxic chemicals that can off-gas for an extended period of time.
Oil-based odors are more than just unpleasant. They’re a result of what Home Depot calls “noxious chemicals” in the stain. These chemicals, known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), can off-gas for days or months even after the wood is sealed. If you’ve ever read the back of a can of oil-based stain or sealer, you know it contains serious warnings about possible long- and short-term health effects.
On the other hand, water-based stains have very low amounts of VOCs or none at all. Using these products helps us protect the well-being of our customers and of our employees. As an extra health bonus, water-based stains are also extremely resistant to mold and mildew.
No compromise with quality
As demand for safer wood finishing solutions has grown, manufacturers have responded with greatly improved water-based products.
“New base formulations and pigments are now available that were not available just a few years ago,” observe Sherwin-Williams Rep Mike James and Bishop Cabinets Director Justin Martin.
“They provide better colour clarity and are popular for achieving lighter or more contemporary finishes,” says Richard Weager for Greenshop Paints. “Water-based stains also offer a clearer, more even sheen, … and generally maintain their original colour better over time.”
oil-based
water-based
Oil-based stain has obscured the grain of the Maple wood above while water-based stain has helped define it. Photos by Bishop Cabinets.
Ted Raife explains why on woodsmith.com. “A water-based dye can give you a look that's very different from a typical oil stain. Oil stains contain large pigment particles that are simply suspended in a solvent. When the stain is applied, the pigments essentially sit on the surface of the wood to give it color. However, this can sometimes make it difficult to produce a deep, natural color without obscuring the figure of the wood.
“Water-based dyes work differently. The dye particles are very small and actually go into solution — like sugar in water. This allows the water to carry the dye particles deep into the wood fibers. The resulting look is more transparent and natural. You end up with a very rich, penetrating color that still lets the figure of the wood show through.”
Comparing General Finishes’ stains in oil- and water-based formulations.
Another aspect of stain quality is durability. A common argument against water-based stain, says the Woodworkers Institute, is “that they aren’t as hard wearing as oils or lacquers. That’s not true.”
James and Martin agree. “Both [water- and oil-based] are equally durable.”
More environmentally friendly
For those who love the outdoors and natural wood, a more environmentally friendly stain is an obvious choice. Oil-based stain is hazardous waste; dried water-based stain is not. At WilgusIQ, we are proud to offer a planet- and people-friendly cabinet stain that also looks stunning.
Browse our stain finishes or find out more about WilgusIQ’s custom cabinets online. We also invite you to contact us directly to discuss your cabinet and countertop questions.